If you are drawn to careers in technology and are looking for one that suits your interests, you may be familiar with a number of computer science-related concepts. One such topic is algorithms. You have no doubt heard of them, but do you know exactly what they consist of and how they are applied in your daily life?

Well, in the following article we will explain what an algorithm is, how it works and we will give you some examples. You can have in-depth detail in training for devops.

What are algorithms?

In general terms, an algorithm provides computers with a guide of steps in

a sequence that has the purpose of achieving a certain action. It is made up of a precise list of instructions that detail how exactly to carry out that task.

Currently, the term algorithm appears constantly when talking or reading about computer science. However, the word has a much older origin. In fact, it is derived from the work of the mathematician Al-Khuarismi who lived around the 8th century.

His basic idea was simple: an algorithm should establish a series of steps (a formula) to achieve an accurate result. The algorithms we know today stem from that principle. The in-depth analysis could be understood through the power bi course.

How does an algorithm work?

Let’s imagine that you have planned to meet a friend in a shopping centre, but he does not know the place, so you will guide him. For that, you start to detail a list with steps like: “enter through the front door”, “pass by the appliance store on the left”, “turn right towards the escalators”. Well, algorithms work that way.

Algorithms can be represented using flowcharts and other diagrams to illustrate instructions based on criteria that are known in advance or that arise in the middle of the process.

So, from the beginning, a series of ordered events is proposed that will be carried out in sequence. Depending on what happens in the course of that process, a different result could be obtained.

Algorithms in everyday life

Algorithms help shape today’s world in more ways than you can imagine. Artificial intelligence is responsible for examining large volumes of data to help us find information instantly.

We have come to depend on this dynamic when performing routine actions and making important decisions. In addition, those intricate formulas are also very valuable in scientific research and the development of new technologies.

Algorithm Examples

Every algorithm is born out of necessity, which is why you will find them in different information technology specialities. However, they all follow the same process. Computers take incoming data or information and apply each predetermined step in the algorithm in order to generate an expected result.

Let’s talk about very everyday examples, without a doubt you have used search engines like Google or Bing, well, these use algorithms that take queries as incoming information. They then scan their databases to find terms relevant to the words entered and display them on your results page.

Algorithms are usually expressed in programming languages ​​and computer programs, although it is also possible to express them using flowcharts.

algorithms and automation

Solving problems with algorithms is carried out massively in all areas of information technology. These can process the data and perform calculations in various ways.

Another example of an algorithm in action is automation software since it follows a series of rules that accomplish tasks. Those are the rules that make up one or more algorithms that work together to mechanize a process.

Suppose one of the automation software’s tasks requires taking all the information from the invoices received by email and putting it into a spreadsheet. To achieve this, you must establish a series of rules and conditions so that the program follows an algorithm.

In this case, the incoming information is each email, and each email must complete each step or rule in order to complete the task. That includes scanning each email for keywords that relate to billing.

Emails containing such terms will proceed to the next stage. In this way, only data relevant to this process is extracted. Here, the end result would be the information placed in the spreadsheet.

Now you know better what algorithms are and their importance not only in the field of information technology but also in your daily life. Do you feel that they offer you an interesting work environment? Then start your career path today!